The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-09-21
AN AMATEUR MURDERER
A Good Reason for Telling the
Story at This Time.

Now that the chances are that l shall
be nominated for Congress next cleo
ton, | have been looking over my past
life, and can not help but admit
there are many incidents in it that if
unexplained will seriously jeopardise
my chances of being at the head of the
polls. Surprising that in the heat of
the contest my opponent suddenly
charged me with being under arrest
for MURDER aud that, too, on my own
confession, l very much fear that
in the turmoil of political meeting
would not be heard with that patience
that would enable me to clear myself
in the minds of the less partisan of the
audience.
Deny itp Well. couldn't very well
do that, because the charge would be
true, and it is we'll known that what
ever else politician may do, he can
never, never tell lie. He is like the
curly-headed boy of the poem. or
George Washington, or a newspaper
in that respect.
So l rather choose to tell the facts OF
the matter while the public mind is
reasonably calm and then have this
account reprinted in the form OF cir
cular during the contest if the charge
is at that time brought against me.
A 81 80 rot
and an artist-fn fact the terms are
generally synonymous-was installed
master of Masonic lodge, and after
the ceremony he gave grand dinner
at Anderton's Hotel, the Masonic tav-
ern of Fleet street, London.
The ceremony took a great deal OF
time, and when the banquet which fol
lowed was over it was very late.
found that all conveyances had stopped
for the night. tried to engage cab
but as lived a long way out the cab
bies showed great reluctance in accept
Ing so distant fare. The night was
clear and the walking good, so Istruci
out and determined on the way to SET
some unfamiliar parts of London at al
unfamiliar time l buttoned my over
coat about me and started out on foot
After had gone several miles through
the silent town, meeting no one but
an occasional policeman or some
vagrant like myself, began to regret
that l had not put up at one OF tn
downtown hotels. An unaecountabl'
thirst took possession of me, and Thu
was the more remarkable as had done
what l could during the dinner tt
quench it. OF course at this hour Their
was no place open where a tired way
farer could refresh himself
Looking down side street I saw
bright light stream out on the road
and said to myself that could likel.
get at least a glass of water there
found this place to be apparently
public house. 1t stood on the corne
and had large windows, covered on tn
lower half with red curtains throug
which person could not see, but t
Judge by the sound of revelry within
there was no lack of something t
drink. 1t seemed strange that an
place should so defy the law, but wa
thirsty and went in. The moment
opened the door there was ali instan
hush and every one look ed towards IN
as we'll as they could through til
clouds of smoke that filled the room
A rough bar was erected to the rlgf
of the entrance, and behind it WEI
barrels of beer. A stalwart barkeept
was filing glasses from these barre
without the aid of the ordinary usef'
and ornamental beer pump.
IN take~ glass of beer, II yc
please" l said. putting down n
money.
Beer. sirp Yes, sir" said Il
man.
But he made no motion to fill n
order. He looked toward the end
the room and burly man in his shi
sleeves came forward.
What's your namep" he s;,i
grufly.
My name" / answered, sis cas-
have found it good title to trav
under in different parts of the worl
There's my card" l continued. poin
Ing to the shilling on the table.
am very thirsty and want glass
beer"
"Oh, You do, do you? Don't y
know that no beers sold in London
this time of night?"
We'll, you seem to be having
you want here"
"Oh. we seem, do WEI And y
want to make sure. do you? No
we've had enough of your compar
Haven't wa laaSpN There was a IF